10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

You did it! You signed your lease, packed your stuff, had it delivered, and moved into your new place – hopefully our Moving Checklist came in handy! Now how do you take this plain, empty space and make it feel like a warm, inviting, comfortable home? A well thought out plan will take your apartment and your feelings about it from, “I live here” to “I Love The Place I Live”; a place you can’t wait to return to every day after work and even after a fun vacation.

If this is your first apartment and you’re starting fresh, this process can feel overwhelming. So. Many. Things. To. Get. It can feel equally challenging if you’ve got a collection of haphazardly acquired, dated, second-hand, or mismatched furnishings and decorative pieces. Or perhaps, you’ve outgrown your former style and want your new place to reflect your new preferences. At Fath Properties, we want you to Love The Place You Live, so we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help minimize the stress and maximize the fun that comes with decorating this new space to make it your own.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR PLACE

Effective and affordable apartment interior design requires careful planning. An apartment is typically a smaller space than a single-family or townhome, and there may be restrictions on the types of changes you are allowed to make (always be sure to check with your property management office before  painting or affixing items to the walls). However, there are plenty of apartment decorating tips to spark creativity in every room, despite any limitations.

Budgeting For Apartment Décor

Making your new home feel finished can be a challenge if you’re working with limited funds. There honestly might not be much money left over after paying for your security deposit, moving expenses, and renters insurance.

While saving for your first apartment, be sure to set aside funds for furniture and décor too. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything adds up, and the cost may be more than you expected.

Although many items on your first apartment checklist will be nonessentials, they still play an important role in making you feel satisfied and settled in your new home. Before making a move, audit what furniture and décor you already have to figure out what you still need.

 Our Best 10 Apartment Decorating Tips

1. Select your style. Deciding what style best reflects you can help determine where to shop and what the general feel of your place will be. Do you prefer retro, modernistic, edgy, bohemian, earthy or minimalist? Sometimes your color preferences can help determine your style. Do you like rustic, natural wood, and neutral colors? What about bold patterns, funky accent pieces, and pops of color? Do some research on line to help determine your home décor goals. If you struggle with what to even include in a room, visit a store like IKEA that has completely decorated rooms on display. It can be much easier than going into some stores that just have a section of sofas, a section of beds, and a section of dining rooms.
2. Set your budget style. Just because your preferred style may look expensive, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are many affordable places to buy furniture like IKEA, Home Goods, Wayfair, and Target. You can certainly buy relatively inexpensive furniture and make it look polished with art and accessories.
3. Invest in multifunctional pieces. Buying your own furniture isn’t cheap. To save some money, opt for versatile apartment essentials that meet multiple needs. Storage ottomans, modular sofas, drop leaf dining tables, and other functional furniture can serve numerous purposes such as allowing for more guests or adding storage space.
4. Maximize light exposure. Not only does natural light make a room brighter, but it also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness we all crave. Even if your apartment includes mini and vertical blinds, adding curtains will help create a finished look to your space. Like the frosting on a cake. While sheer, translucent materials will maximize the amount of light in living areas, you may prefer something room darkening in your bedroom. Don’t forget table and floor lamps! They can really help to set the mood in your home, creating bright spaces if you work at home, and romantic or restful spaces.
5. Make a focal point. Pick a large, eye-catching piece and build your room around it. Anything from couch with beautiful pillows, to a bohemian tapestry, an antique bookcase, a gorgeous mirror, or a sculptural piece can all act as focal point. Splurging slightly on one stunning piece to build off of can change the entire atmosphere of your apartment home.
6. Hang art. Apartment decor requires creativity, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Art usually is on the pricier side, so visit local art exhibits, garage sales, or ask your artistic friends for their latest creation to make your place feel sophisticated without breaking the bank. Target and Home Goods are two great resources for affordable art pieces. Here’s a guide on placing art and one for how to hang
7. Optimize your space. An important aspect of decorating your apartment is placing your furniture in a way that is practical and conducive to your lifestyle. Decide what function you’ll want each area of your new apartment to serve, and then plan accordingly. You might work from home and need a desk, or you might want a large dining room table to host dinner parties. The most important thing is to make the space work for your needs. If you live in a studio, make your living and sleeping areas feel distinctive with pieces that separate the room like a screen or tall bookcase. If you love to cook but your kitchen is on the smaller side, here are ways to make the most out of the storage you do have.
8. Add an entryway. Many apartments don’t have a foyer, and some do not have a coat closet near the front door. You can create the illusion of an entryway with a bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the interior of the bookcase as a space to hang coats, hats, leashes, or umbrellas. Add a few baskets or bins on the bottom shelves to store shoes out of sight. Or you can add a small bench and place hooks above the bench to better define the area.
9. Use mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light. Cluster a few smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall – this is a great way to brighten up a hallway. Lean a large mirror against a wall to instantly open up any space. Mirrors don’t need to break your decorating bank. Find inexpensive mirrors at dollar stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Don’t forget to check your local consignment store!
10. Add a rug. An area rug can instantly transform a room by grounding it and adding color, texture and design to the space. The key to choosing the right rug is making sure it is the appropriate size for your space. Most interior designers suggest leaving at least six inches between the edges of the rug and the walls, and – in the living room – placing the front legs of your sofa on the rug. Here’s a guide to selecting the right size rug for any room in your apartment.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn the blank canvas of your apartment into a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space you can’t wait to come home to. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home in a Fath Properties community where you will Love The Place You Live.